Happy April Fool's Day and a month of daisies

Daisy – the flower of April

But no fooling here. Some would say those born in April are blessed with two birth flowers. Both the daisy and the Sweet-pea are attributed to this spring month. However, their giving means different things.

The daisy conveys innocence, loyal love and purity. Between friends, the giving of a daisy means I will never tell our secret!

Sweetpeas indicate blissful pleasure, but are also given to say good-bye. In Nova Scotian gardens certainly we see the Sweetpea earlier than we see daisies, even the ornamental Shastas are summer flowers.

They are available as cut flowers at florists. For the pet lovers amongst us, daisies are a safe choice in houses with cats and dogs.

Simple daisies, photo by Debbie, at queenbee1924

Sweetpeas, photo by Marian Munro

My luve's like a red, red rose*...

Valentine flowers

Red roses have been the quintessential symbol of love and therefore Valentine’s Day. Associated with romance, beauty and perfection they are also expensive.  More recently, blooms such as the Gerbera Daisy are given in February. Their bright colours denote a cheerful beauty, innocence and purity.

The classic tulips are also available as cut flowers. More affordable, these are an alternative to roses, but keep pets away from them.  Tulips stand for perfect love and convey comfort and warmth.

While many varieties of lilies are available, the safest is the Peruvian Lily, or Alstroemeria. Safe for pets, they also convey the safer message (for some) of friendship and devotion. Multiple flowers per stem can quickly fill a vessel and their unusual soft colours add subtle highlights to a corner.

* Robert Burns

1908 postcard, scanned by Marian Munro

1910 postcard, scanned by Marian Munro

 Alstroemeria, photo by Marian Munro